{"id":23137,"date":"2025-06-19T15:40:59","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:40:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=23137"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:44:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:44:49","slug":"merckx-route-in-flemish-brabant-renewed-for-80th-birthday-of-eddy-merckx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/merckx-route-in-vlaams-brabant-vernieuwd-vanwege-80-jarige-verjaardag-eddy-merckx","title":{"rendered":"Merckx route in Flemish Brabant renewed for 80th anniversary of Eddy Merckx"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the adventurous cyclist who wants to stay on the bike for a little longer and seeks more challenge: the Eddy Merckx Cycling Route<\/strong> has been updated and expanded to a beautiful 70km loop<\/strong> through the beautiful Hageland. Here I share why you have to ride this route\u2014and mind you, bring your sense of curiosity. It\u2019s a shame they didn\u2019t go for an 80km route for the sake of form, even if only because of the anniversary of \u2018De Kannibaal.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why this route should be your next challenge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Strong: 500m climb without long ascents<\/strong>
    Flemish Brabant at its best. You have almost 500 meters of elevation under your wheels, but nowhere do you have a climb that is much longer than a kilometer. In that regard, Flemish Brabant is comparable to the Dutch Limburg region, with the caveat that you still get a bit of gravel on the way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. On the road of the \u2018Cannibal\u2019<\/strong>
    Departure like Merckx in Meensel-Kiezegem<\/strong>, Here, you will be greeted by a statue and a vibrant mural. This is a must-visit for any cyclist who has any connection to the race. You are literally cycling on the route where Eddy made his first laps. Those who feel the cycling folklore will truly be moved here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Varied landscape & culture<\/strong>\n